Rhyan Elisabeth Holzer
Rhyan Elisabeth was born on October 28, 1999 to Gwen Radisewitz and Justin Holzer. What should have been a joyous occasion for her parents turned into a frightening fight for survival, because Rhyan was born prematurely at 24 weeks of gestation. She weighed only 1 pound and 8 ounces.
"Rhyan needed blood before she needed food because she didn't have enough red blood cells to provide the oxygen she needed and to replace the blood doctors had to withdraw to run tests," said Gwen. "It was the kindness of others that saved her life."
"I remember the first time we were told she needed a blood transfusion. We were scared to death. First, just to hear that she needed blood at all, and then, to hear we could not provide the blood she needed. We desperately wanted to help her, to help our own child," said Gwen. "But after she received the blood she looked so much better. She looked healthier. Pink and not so white."
Gwen acknowledges she was scared about Rhyan getting a blood transfusion, because she had a lack of knowledge about blood transfusions and what premature babies need.
"After the first one it got easier," said Gwen.
During Rhyan's five-month hospital stay, she needed heart surgery at two weeks of age to close a heart valve, two throat surgeries, and two bowel surgeries. Blood was ready and available for each of these procedures and Rhyan was released from the hospital in March 2000.
Today, Rhyan is a very happy and active child.
During the time period when Rhyan was hospitalized, her parents witnessed many other children receiving blood products. This taught them how important it its to be a regular blood donor. As a result, they have become Red Cross blood donors.
"Until this happened to Rhyan I didn't realize how many premature babies there are. There are lots! And I didn't even know that kids needed blood," said Gwen. "I've always been afraid of needles and the process of giving blood. But an experience like this changes you forever. Now, I give blood and hand everyone the Red Cross telephone number and tell others to donate too. I still hate needles, but I do it anyway."